BETHLEHEM  Although red roses continue to be a top seller on Valentine’s Day, some florists have noticed more women are looking for something a little less traditional on the annual day of love.

“We’ve seen the trend moving away from roses because I think women are looking for something a little different,” said Debora Converse, designer at Dehn’s Flowers and Greenhouses in Ballston Spa. “We’re doing a lot more mixed floral arrangements.”

Photo by Marcy Velte

Janet Gough,owner of the Floral Garden in Delmar.

Converse said she doesn’t know why the change has taken place.

Red roses are still a Valentine’s Day staple, but some may view the symbol of love as boring or unoriginal. Others may have come to expect their annual bouquet and are looking for something unique.

“People are more knowledgeable and are looking for something a little more special,” said Brenda Lennon, owner of Lennon’s Flowers in Latham.

Lennon said it helps to know the favorite color or flower of the intended recipient. Picking out flowers with a special significance show time was put into selecting the gift instead of just picking up the phone and placing an order.

“A majority of the people we deal with like the idea of roses because they feel like they have to buy them, but that’s not the case,” she said. “It’s a mindset a lot of men should get out of because it’s getting dated.”

Janet Gough, owner of the Floral Garden in Delmar, said arrangements filled with tropical or spring-type flowers have become popular in recent years. These mixes often include roses, but are more colorful and use more greenery to accent the piece.

She said people like the spring look because, come Valentine’s Day, most are sick of the cold and snow.

Photo by Marcy Velte

More Valentine's are straying away from roses for tropical or spring bouquets.

People want to be reminded of the warmer weather and ready for the season to change.